Will Your Legacy as a Leader Live On for 100 Years?

As we celebrate National Centenarian’s Day —a day set aside to honor those who are 100 years of age or older—I have been asking myself, “Does the professional world truly listen, preserve and grow from the rich wisdom our predecessors have left behind?”

Lisa LegacyAs Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Pathway Health, my goal is to create a legacy by sharing insights to our clients, so they can reach new heights. For example, I am very excited to present “The New World of Managed Care” to the Texas Health Care Association at the 65thAnnual Convention & Trade Show on Sept. 23. I will also serve as the honorary chairperson at the National Council of Post-Acute Care Practitioners Conference in Cromwell, Connecticut, on Sept. 30.

Although I take my responsibility in Pathway Health’s increasing success seriously, I also must remind myself that the important work will continue after I am gone. Essentially, a good leader cannot hold everything together so tightly, that it falls apart the moment he or she leaves.

To ensure the value of your professional work continues for more than 100 years, follow these five team-focused leadership principles:

  1. Recruit the right people, so your team is a clear reflection of your dedication.
  2. Ask for and incorporate ideas from everyone, so the team’s mission is strengthened by everyone’s expertise, not just your experience.
  3. Express a clear plan to each member, and reinforce that you are relying on his or her commitment.
  4. Manage the direction of the team, by trusting in their ability and sharing in the responsibility.
  5. Lead for the long-term, by having your team follow your vision, not just your daily instruction.

As leaders, we must understand that our accomplishments are not about ourselves, but the great work of an entire team. Reaching the goal requires collective execution and continued commitment…hopefully by leaders who learned from their predecessors.

Resource:
“Oreo Cookies,” by Jac Higgins, President and Principal Advisor at Surgical Supply Advisors, LLC / S2A

Lisa

 

Lisa Thomson
Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer
Pathway Health